The story behind the New Generation Rollingstock indigenous train wraps
The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains are travelling across the South East Queensland passenger rail network transporting a diverse range of people. We previously collaborated with Gilimbaa to develop a bespoke artwork that visually represents the vision and journey of their Reconciliation Action Plan.
Entitled Travelling, the artwork symbolises pathways across the land to the sea, opening up country and connecting the people of Queensland.
In the spirit of connecting people, geographical concepts from the original artwork have been used across the 6 cars of the NGR train to produce a breathtaking full wrap design.
The artwork provides an important representation of Queensland’s diverse landscape and culture to local, national and international travellers to the region.
Our decision to make such a bold, visual statement shows their dedication to and understanding of the unifying nature of reconciliation and the power it has to connect communities.
The wraps are currently displayed on NGR trains 701, 702, 703, 704, 705 and 706.
Time-lapse video showing indigenous artwork wraps being applied to a New Generation Rollingstock train
The original artwork story: ‘Travelling’ by Gilimbaa – lead artist Riki Salam
Our artwork Travelling essentially reads as a ‘road map’ of the State of Queensland.Orientated to portrait format with the Rainbow Serpent facing upwards, this artwork explores both the cultural and geographical landscape of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Queensland.
Beginning from the bottom of the artwork the Rainbow Serpent slowly meanders its way northwards creating and forming the landscape.
The bold red rectangular motifs represent the built up urban city-scape of the South East Queensland region.
The bright golden dotted strip is indicative of our beautiful coastline and magnificent beaches.
The Rainbow Serpent moves out west over the great divide into dry arid country then up into River country before being engulfed by the Rainforest region of the Cape.
Finally, the Rainbow Serpent arrives at the tip of Queensland at the pristine turquoise waters of the Torres Strait Islands.
Our artwork is ‘connecting Queensland’.
